Photo: Stock Image
Hayfork, CA – A routine traffic stop took a dangerous turn on the evening of May 4, 2023, when a Trinity County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to pull over a 2006 GMC Sierra pickup for a traffic violation at State Route 3 near Beals Street in Hayfork. The driver, later identified as Josiah Claborn, opted to evade law enforcement, initiating a high-speed pursuit that traversed through the city.
As the Deputy approached the vehicle, Claborn abruptly accelerated and fled southbound on State Route 3. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Deputy promptly initiated a pursuit, while a backup K-9 Deputy joined in to provide assistance. Claborn led authorities down Hyampom Road, covering a distance of approximately 11 miles.
Throughout the pursuit, Claborn displayed a blatant disregard for the safety of others by exceeding speeds of 90 miles per hour. In a reckless act, he repeatedly crossed solid double yellow lines on blind corners, heightening the risk of collision with other vehicles or property.
At one point, the vehicle briefly yielded in a dirt pullout area before abruptly executing an unsafe U-turn, colliding with a patrol vehicle. Undeterred by the collision, Claborn continued his attempt to escape, traveling eastbound on Hyampom Road for a short time before ultimately yielding in the 5800 block of Hyampom Road. The arrest was made without further incident, thanks to the assistance of a Trinity Sheriff’s Office K-9.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded rifle and ammunition. It was later determined that Claborn, who hails from Hayfork, CA, was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to his status as a prohibited person. Further investigations also revealed that Claborn was on formal probation out of Trinity County.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this incident. The collision between the deputy’s vehicle and the suspect vehicle is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol – Trinity River Office.
Josiah P. Claborn, now faces multiple charges, including evading law enforcement, reckless driving, possession of a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person, and probation violation. The Trinity County District Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution of the case.
